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Poison Prevention for Pets

Pet toxins loom around every corner in your home -- from the bathroom, to the kitchen, to the front porch. Do you know what substances are poisonous to your pet? Do you know what signs to look for if your pet ingests one of these substances? Do you know what to do if your pet gets into a toxin?

In honor of Poison Prevention week, the ARL has made a list of pet toxins, signs of poisoning, and what to do if your pet accidentally ingests a toxic substance.

Poisonous Substances For Cats

Lillies

Garlic

Onion

Household cleaners

Human medications (e.g. anti-inflammatories & antidepressants)

Rodenticides

Poisonous Substances For Dogs

Chocolate (all kinds)

Caffeine

Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in some candies, gums, and peanut butters)

Macadamia nuts

Human medications (e.g. anti-inflammatories & antidepressants)

Rodenticides

Signs Of Poisoning

Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite)

Coughing up/vomiting blood

Drooling

Excessive thirst/urination

Pale gums

Lethargy

Tarry stool

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What To Do/Not Do If You Suspect/Know Your Pet Has Ingested A Toxin

Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. When possible, know the exact time your pet ingested the substance and what exactly the substance is (the packaging the substance came in is extremely helpful in these cases).

Do NOT administer hydrogen peroxide to your pet to induce vomiting unless told to do so by a veterinary professional. There are circumstances where inducing vomiting isn’t helpful.

Do NOT use any home remedies you find on the Internet without consulting with a veterinary professional first. Many of these remedies are false and could actually cause more harm.

Please note that these lists are only partial and do not contain every toxin nor every sign of poisoning. If you’re unsure if what your pet got into is poisonous or not, always call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline to be safe.

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The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year. The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more.Learn More About Us